Looking back and looking forward

 

Today the United States of America celebrates its birthday.

   On July 4, 1976, we in the States celebrated our Bicentennial which included the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence during the Second Continental Congress. 

Gerald Ford was president of the United States.  The average cost of a home was $38,100.00.  An AM/FM Cassette Player cost $39.88, as did a Mini Tape Recorder.  A Texas Instruments Pocket Calculator cost $29.88.  A gallon of gas cost $0.57.  One pound Thompson seedless Californian grapes cost $0.39.  The New York Times cost $0.20 (I suspect that was daily, not Sunday).  Posting a letter cost $0.13.  A dozen eggs cost $0.84 and a gallon of milk cost $1.65.  One pound ground beef cost $0.70.  One pound supermarket ground coffee in a can cost $1.28.  These are all averages and all prices are USD.

Monthly utility bills, including electricity, water, and heating, usually stayed under $100. Phone service was an additional cost, but nowhere near today’s smartphone and internet bundles.  

Cable TV was beginning to gain traction, but basic broadcast television was still free over the air. You didn't need an antenna to watch the four networks.  

Going to the movies cost around $2 per ticket, making date night or family outings affordable. 

While wages have risen since 1976, the cost of basic needs has risen much faster, and many of today’s financial struggles stem from that imbalance. 

  A special coin was minted to celebrate the Bicentennial.

Queen Elizabeth II visited the states over the 4th of July weekend.  

According to History.com: From a Bicentennial Barbie to red, white and blue ice cream, themed merchandise was everywhere. Companies sold everything from commemorative syrup bottles to patriotic tea bags. Stein points to a 1973 headline in the Philadelphia Inquirer announcing, “The Bicen Will Be a Sellabration in the Spirit of $17.76,” with the article noting, “The big birthday is lighting new sparks under American ingenuity for making money.”

Now lets look at our Semiquincentennial, which we celebrate today.    Trump is president, but that's no reason to celebrate.  Leading cities in today's celebration will be Boston, Charleston, New York, and Philadelphia.  Many of my readers, visitors, lurkers, and followers who live in the states will celebrate like me.  We will not under any circumstances participate in any event to which Mr. Trump approves or sanctions. Happy Semiquincentennial Birthday today.